Love Before War

Xeke (Chapter 4)

The sun settled against the deep curve of the horizon, encasing everything beneath in pastel colors ranging from soft yellows to harsh oranges. It should have been a spectacular view full of joy and without a doubt, but with the turn of events, it held nothing except horror.

Xeke found the reputable ivory castle of Eblon magnificent, especially beneath the natural lighting that glistened against the glass windows above. He had to admit, it was just as fine as he had hoped. Nothing was more wonderful than a city filled with beauty. As they passed through the shimmering gates of Astrid, Xeke glimpsed a tall figure standing among the D'treroh guards and wondered who that could possibly be.

Dexmiir hadn't mentioned bringing any others. Xeke shifted in his saddle and leaned forward against his mare so he could see the person more vividly. It was impossible to overlook Dexmiir's uncle Arcaenys. He was a tall broad-shouldered man with eyes that burned brighter than any flickering flame Xeke had ever seen. Just staring into those cavernous crimson eyes left one shifting uncomfortably in place.

By the time Xeke snapped from his thoughts, Dexmiir had slid from his horse and stood at the bottom of concrete steps. Arcaenys grinned and moved down two steps before his feet met the level ground. Xeke wasn't fond of that crooked smirk of his. "Nephew!" He slung a toned arm over Dex's shoulder as he leaned forward. "Did you and your friend Xeke find the castle well?"

Xeke's brow rose when Dexmiir spoke a simple yes. He wondered why he'd seemed so uptight considering the fact he hasn't seen his uncle in a while. But Xeke had reasons for his own distance towards the man. Arcaenys killed someone that had awful intentions to protect him when he was only seven. Of course, he was grateful, but the man still terrified him at such a young age.

"Come, come." Arcaenys broke the silence and lead them up the castles steps and through its grand mahogany doors. They moved gracefully from the stone steps onto sleek marble flooring. But before they could walk any further, a fair woman stood before them. She wasn't just any ordinary woman, she was Kalixsyr, Queen of Eblon.

"Welcome," The queen's voice slipped past shapely painted lips. She hadn't looked to be the woman that others whispered about in D'treroh. There were names such as whore and an unfit bed warmer that circled around, but Xeke didn't dabble in women's gossip. "I hope our guards at the front gates treated you well with hospitality." A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

Arcaenys nodded, more to himself than Kalixsyr. "Yes. They had," His jaw seemed tightened as he spoke. He took a split second to glimpse towards Dexmiir before returning his attention back towards the queen.

"Excuse my ill words. But could you lead us the right to your King? I have a question for him."

Xeke caught the twitch of Kalixsyr's eye, though she kept her composure rather well before she smiled and beckoned them to follow her down the arched halls. The interior design was like none other. The walls were carefully painted with intricate swirls, and the high domed ceilings were lit by candle-lit chandeliers. It speckled light through dangling crystals and embed with small shadows along the marble.

There were a few portraits of the queen and some others hung up along the wall, just before they turned down a hall where the King chuckled towards the sight of his wife.

"Kalixsyr. Thank you, my dear, Queen." Anixmander shifted the metal crown atop his head before standing in front of large double doors, overlooking them. Dexmiir seemed to shift from one foot to the other when the king looked at him, but it hadn't lasted long. "Arcaenys. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise." Arcaenys offered a slight bow of his head. "Did you get everyone on the list?"

A rumble of laughter came from Anixmander. "As a king, I hardly ever forget what I am told. But I do assure you that all those listed are within the dining hall. Now, if you would follow me, we can begin the feast."